First, the deal was made, and permits were given. There was more than enough time to dispute this issue beforehand, and to block the sale at this point will set a terrible legal precedent.
Second, the church was not in good shape before the flood, and the archdiocese has stated that it is NOT going to restore the building and the parish. If the sale is blocked, the neighborhood is condemned to struggle along with no anchor.
Third, if the sale goes through, the neighborhood will be anchored by an institution that has proven its commitment to this city for over a century. Holy Cross chose Gentilly in good faith, forfeited a place in Kenner in order to help the city, and the infusion of jobs and money, not to mention activity in the neighborhood that Holy Cross will bring will be invaluable in bringing back that area of the city.
Fourth, struggling neighbors in the area are very anxious for this contruction to begin. The area will become safer and more desirable immediately, and property values will increase as this happens.
Fifth, this whole thing is about a few parishioners holding onto something that is gone, As a neighborhood and a city, we need to move forward.